We adore you, O Christ and we praise you...

... because by your holy cross you have redeemed the world.

Sitting in the service this afternoon, I watched as row after row of men, women and children came forward to venerate the cross. It took a long time. I had no idea the church was that full!

I was struck by the image of every individual there drawn toward this symbol of our salvation. Every one of us, pulled by our own particular knowledge of how Jesus has saved us... every one of us saved by the overpowering love of God. And what else can we do, but demonstrate our love, our gratitude, our profound awareness of Christ's strength healing our weaknesses with a bow, a genuflection, a touch, a kiss?

And yet all of us individuals come to the one cross. Our gesture is one of worship, not of convenience: no multiple cross stations, please!! Christ's saving sacrifice was offered once for all people, and as a people we come together in shared faith and praise--- our individual stories united by our common baptism into the Body of Christ.

As the Easter Vigil quickly approaches, you who have journeyed through the RCIA this past year will at last share with us at the Eucharistic table. May the Body and Blood of Christ sustain and strengthen you in your ongoing journey AS the body of Christ, continuing the mission of Jesus in your daily life! Brothers and sisters, let us pray for one another.

What are YOUR enduring images from the services of the Triduum?

The Easter Triduum: part two

Just as we departed last night in silence, we gather today silently, continuing our three-day prayer. On the only day of the year when Catholic Mass is not celebrated, at 3:00 PM we begin our Commemoration of the Lord's Passion.
There is a stark simplicity to all we do today: the altar is bare, music is minimal, and our fasting reminds us of the significance of this Friday we call "Good". Two elements of our worship stand out as well.
General Intercessions: There are 10 today, encompassing an ever-widening circle of humanity, and emphasizing by this inclusivity the universal nature and intention of Jesus Christ's saving sacrifice on the cross. The structure of each intention is the same: an introduction of the subject of our prayer, a pause for silent prayer, and then a prayer that collects and summarizes all of our silent prayers into one.
Veneration of the Cross: "This is the wood of the cross, on which hung the Savior of the world."
Awed by the depth of Jesus' love for us, we come forward to show reverence for the symbol of our salvation. As one Body we process with humility and gratitude, offering a touch, bow, kiss or genuflection. By venerating (showing reverence for) the cross, we acknowledge its importance in the story of our salvation; the worship of which we sing is reserved truly for God by whom and in whom our salvation was accomplished.

In the readings today, the Letter to the Hebrews reminds us that Jesus is not "unable to sympathize with our weaknesses" and are encouraged to "approach the throne of grace to receive mercy and to find grace for timely help".

• As you prepare to approach the font and the altar, for what graces and timely help might God be thanked?
• Where is God's grace still needed?